Insulating cap and connector for electrical transmission poles

ABSTRACT

An insulating cap and connector for attaching an electric utility cross arm assembly to a supporting metal utility pole having an open top. A cylindrical tube of insulated composition has an end cap closed at the top and has a reduced diameter nipple extending downwardly. The reduced diameter nipple is insertable within the open top end of the supporting utility pole when the tube is slid over the top of the utility pole. Fasteners attach the cross arm to the tube and the supporting utility pole. There is no conductive contact between the metal support pole and the cross arm when insulated fasteners are used.

[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/309,677, filed Aug. 2, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an insulating cap and connector for attaching an electric utility cross arm to a metal support pole. The applicants are the inventors of a unique electric utility cross arm shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,027,082, and 4,682,747, which are incorporated herein for all purposes. The present invention is an improved connector assembly for affixing such cross arms to supporting utility poles.

[0003] The present inventive cap/connector assembly may be used with other structures. The benefits of the insulative properties can be increased by use of insulated attachment bolts. There is no conductive contact between the metal support pole and the cross arm when insulated fasteners are used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The insulative cap/connector of the present invention insulates the top of metal supporting utility poles seventeen (17″) inches down to the second attachment hole on the tube. If an insulated composite bolt or fastener is used in the lower attachment hole, the insulation properties extend to the bottom of the pole cap. A generally cylindrical tube is slid over a metal support pole and attached by fasteners; a nipple extends into the open end of the metal support pole to stabilize and strengthen the connection of the cap to the pole.

[0005] The cap of the present invention minimizes tracking of electricity down the metal pole. This not only reduces line losses, but prevents the possibility of a bystander touching the metal pole while on the ground and being electrocuted from possible leakage from the cross arm through the metal pole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of the present invention with a cross arm attached.

[0007]FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of the present invention with a sleeve inserted in an attachment hole.

[0008]FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the present invention taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[0009]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0010]FIG. 1 shows a side elevation view of the present invention 10 with an electric utility cross arm assembly 12 supporting insulators 13 attached by two mounting fasteners 14 and 16 to a utility support pole 42 having an open top end 40. The cross arm 12 has several attachment holes through which pass the mounting bolts 14 and 16. The bolts may be made of any suitable composition, but preferably an insulating composite composition such as fiberglass.

[0011]FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation of the present invention with a sleeve 18 extending through the upper attachment hole 20. The sleeve may be made of insulated composite composition. A lower attachment hole 22 is drilled through the generally hollow body portion 24 of the cylindrical tube 26. The tube 26 is made of an insulated composite composition. As may be seen in FIG. 2, the attachment holes 20 and 22 are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the tube 26.

[0012] Tube 26 has a closed cap end 28 and a pole receiving end 30. The cap end 28 has upper attachment hole 20 and is closed at the top 32. Inside the hollow tube portion 24 extending downwardly is a reduced diameter nipple 34. The nipple 34 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 inserted within the open top 40 of the utility support pole 42. A reinforcing collar section 50 has a ⅛″ extra thickness to strengthen the open pole receiving end 30.

[0013]FIG. 3 shows a bottom plan view of the present invention with reinforcing ribs 44 and 46 extending along opposite sides of generally the entire length of outer surface 48 of the tube 26. Ribs 44 and 46 prevent twisting of the connector assembly 10 and adds strength to the tube 26. Reduced diameter nipple 34 is shown with the sleeve 18 passing through the upper attachment hole 20.

[0014]FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the present invention with the closed top 32 and ribs 44 and 46 also closed at the top.

[0015] Although the invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. On the contrary, various modifications of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications, alternatives, and equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. An apparatus for attaching an electric utility cross arm assembly to a supporting utility pole having an open top end comprising: a generally cylindrical tube of an insulated composite composition, said tube having a longitudinal axis; an end cap at a first end of said tube; a support pole receiving opening at a second end of said tube end; a generally hollow body portion extending between said first and said second ends of said tube; a first end cap attachment hole extending through said end cap generally perpendicular to said axis; a second attachment hole extending through said body portion generally perpendicular to said axis; said end cap having a closed top portion and a reduced diameter nipple extending downwardly within said hollow body portion from said first end of said tube, said reduced diameter nipple insertable within said open top end of said supporting utility pole.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an attachment hole sleeve member of an insulated composite composition adapted to be received in said first attachment hole in said end cap.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending along opposite sides of the outer surface of said cylindrical tube.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a reinforcing ring portion extending circumferentially around said outer surface of said tube at said second pole receiving end of said tube. 